Pravachol

Generic name: Pravastatin sodium

What is Pravachol?

Pravachol is a cholesterol-lowering drug, also known as a "statin". Your doctor may prescribe it along with a cholesterol-lowering diet if your blood cholesterol level is dangerously high and you have not been able to lower it by diet alone.

Pravastatin is used to reduce the amounts of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) "bad" cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides (another type of fat), and apolipoprotein B (a protein needed to make cholesterol) in your blood. These actions are important in reducing the risk of hardening of the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

Pravachol can also be prescribed for children 8 years of age and older when diet alone fails to lower their cholesterol levels.

What is the most important information I should know about Pravachol?

Pravachol is usually prescribed only if diet, exercise, and weight-loss fail to bring your cholesterol levels under control. It's important to remember that Pravachol is a supplement—not a substitute—for those other measures. To get the full benefit of the medication, you need to stick to the diet and exercise program prescribed by your doctor. These efforts to keep your cholesterol levels normal are important because together they may lower your risk of heart disease.

Because Pravachol may cause damage to the liver, your doctor will probably do blood tests before you start taking the drug and whenever he plans a dosage increase. The doctor should monitor you very carefully if you've had liver disease recently, if you have any symptoms of liver disease, or if you're a heavy drinker.

Since Pravachol may cause damage to muscle tissue, promptly report to your doctor any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever or you just generally do not feel well.

Who should not take Pravachol?

Do not take Pravachol if you are sensitive or have ever had an allergic reaction to it. Do not take Pravachol if you have liver disease. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you should not take Pravachol, since this medication may harm an unborn baby.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Pravachol?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Pravachol. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have liver disease, kidney disease, a chronic muscular disease, a blood disorder, or if you drink alcoholic beverages. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual starting dose is 40 milligrams (mg) once a day. If this does not reduce LDL levels sufficiently, your doctor may increase your dose to 80 mg once daily.

Children 14 to 18 years old: The recommended starting dose is 40 mg once a day. Doses greater than 40 mg have not been studied in this age group.

For people with kidney or liver problems and those taking a medication that suppresses the immune system, the starting dose is 10 mg. People on immunosuppressive drugs generally take no more than 20 mg of Pravachol daily.

Children 8 to 13 years old: The recommended starting dose is 20 mg once a day. Doses greater than 20 mg have not been studied in this age group.

How should I take Pravachol?

For an even greater cholesterol-lowering effect, your doctor may prescribe Pravachol along with a different kind of lipid-lowering drug such as cholestyramine or colestipol. However, you must not take Pravachol at the same time of day as the other cholesterol-lowering drug. Take Pravachol at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after taking the other drug.

Pravachol should be taken once daily. You may take it anytime, with or without food.

What should I avoid while taking Pravachol?

Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking Pravachol. Alcohol and Pravachol can both damage the liver.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Pravachol?

If Pravachol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Pravachol with the following: Cholestyramine, Cimetidine, Colestipol, Diltiazem, Drugs that suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine, Erythromycin,Gemfibrozil,Itraconazole, Niacin.

What are the possible side effects of Pravachol?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: abdominal pain, chest pain, constipation, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, gas, headache, heartburn, inflammation of nasal passages, muscle aching or weakness, nausea, rash, stomach or intestinal discomfort, urinary problems, vomiting

Can I receive Pravachol if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Do not take Pravachol if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you are nursing due to the harmful effects Pravachol may have on your unborn or breastfeeding baby. You should not take Pravachol if you are of a child-bearing age unless it is highly unlikely that you will become pregnant. If you do become pregnant while taking Pravachol, inform your doctor immediately.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Pravachol?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

How should I store Pravachol?

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.